Things to do in Lisbon, Central Portugal: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

The construction of the church of Saint Engracia – currently the National Pantheon of Portugal - began towards the end of the 16th century and was only completed in the 20th century. This 400-year delay originated the proverb “Obras de Santa Engracia” meaning any work that never ends. A unique testimony to Portuguese Baroque art the National Pantheon stands on a hill overlooking the river Tagus being an icon of Lisbon’s cityscape. From its terrace you can have a majestic view of the city and its river. On the inside the Pantheon houses the remains of some of the most distinguished personalities of the country.

One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Built between 1731 and 1799, the Águas Livres Aqueduct was a vast system of collection and transportation of water, through gravity, which comprises a total of 58 kilometers of existing pipelines between the springs, located 15 kilometers to the northwest of Lisbon and the water standposts in the capital. In its path, the crossing of the Alcantara valley, stands out along its 941 meters long and with arches that reach the 65 meters of height. The route is open to visitors between Campolide and the Parque Florestal de Monsanto. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (St. Vincent Outside the Walls) is one of the most important historical buildings in the city of Lisbon. It was founded by the first Portuguese king, in the 12th century. Over the centuries, several kings have introduced many changes, including the rebuilding in the 16th century. Today it is still possible to see the original cistern, as well as the cloisters, decorated with tiles from the 18th century, being of special interest the collection that depicts the fables of LaFontaine. The Monastery also houses the Pantheon of the last Portuguese dynasty, the Braganza, and a very well decorated Sacristy. At the end of the visit you can go up to the rooftop of the church and enjoy one of the best views over the Tagus river and the city.

In 1846, a fabric production plant (Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonenses) was created in Alcântara, Lisbon. The industrial complex spanned over a total of 23.000 m2 and was one of the most important undertakings the city had so far seen. Fifty years later, the company decides to move and, in its place, a succession of businesses such as industrial typographies took advantage of the unique location and facilities. Forward to the late 20th century and the location was an abandoned, run-down and decrepit inner-city area that desperately needed a makeover. A private investor decides to take on the challenge of creating something new out of almost one hundred years of history and the rest, as they say, is indeed history. Today, the space is home to more than 200 businesses ranging from cafés, restaurants, design houses, show-rooms, shops, offices, commercial spaces to other projects that link directly to the space’s unique cultural and artistic standing.